Have You Been Injured in a Cat Attack?

Have You Been Injured in a Cat Attack?

Posted By
Eliot Reiner

When many people think of animal attacks, their first thought is usually
of an unleashed dog or a larger animal becoming violent. But what about
cats? Cat bites and attacks can be just as serious as those from dogs,
causing severe puncture wounds, scratches, and bacterial infections which
can sometimes require hospitalization. As such, cat owners can often be
held liable for any damages that their animal should inflict in the event
they should attack another person. If you have been bitten by another
person’s cat, it is imperative you seek medical attention immediately
and contact an attorney to pursue full and fair compensation.

Owner Liability for Cat Bites

California is a “strict liability” state in regards to animal
attacks, meaning that an owner cannot escape liability for a cat bite
by claiming that they had no knowledge of their animal’s aggression.
Cat owners can be held responsible for all damages resulting from a cat
attack even if the cat has never bitten or scratched anyone before. The
only element that an injured party must prove is that the attack occurred
in a public are, or that the attack occurred while lawfully in a private place.

You may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:

Medical expenses

Costs of surgery

Pain and suffering

Lost wages

Permanent disfigurement

You do not need to show that the cat owner acted negligently or failed
to exercise reasonable care to prevent the bite. You will only need to
take these extra steps to prove your case if you were injured by a cat,
but not by a bite. For example, say your neighbor’s cat jumped on
your child while they were playing on the sidewalk, severely scratching
their eye. In this situation, you would need to show that the cat owner
acted negligently in some way which led to the attack, such as letting
the cat roam the neighborhood freely.

Powerful Representation for Victims of Animal Attacks

If you have been injured in any sort of
animal attack, our knowledgeable
Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Eliot Reiner, APLC can provide the strong counsel you need to maximize
your financial recovery. Having secured millions on behalf of injured
clients throughout Northern California, our experienced advocates understand
the laws that apply to your situation and can ensure your best interests
are guarded during this time.
Call (916) 778-3228 or
get in touch with us online to get started.